Risks
- Some believe birch is dog-friendly, while others suggest it contains xylitol, a compound toxic to dogs. Ingesting 75 to 100 milligrams of xylitol per kilogram of a dog's weight can cause toxicity, leading to kidney failure.
- Symptoms of birch ingestion include lethargy, lack of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Chewing on birch bark or wood can cause splinters, leading to mouth injuries or digestive tract damage, including abrasions and bleeding.